According to the results of a recent survey by comScore, the findings reveal that Americans are feeling more optimistic about the economy. The optimism seems to be leading Americans to take on more debt. According to the comScore study of almost 2,000 Internet users and a research panel of 1 million U.S. consumers, 34% percent of respondents said they were feeling more confident about the economy. About 20% of survey respondents shopped around for a new credit card last year. There were several important factors consumers looked for most frequently when credit card shopping.
Primary Feature
According to survey respondents, the primary importance was a low interest rate. It seems to indicate that while consumers are once again looking to take on debt, they want to do so at the lowest interest rate possible. About 38% stated a low interest rate as the most important factor in choosing a credit card.
Second and Third in Importance
After a low interest rate, the next most significant feature credit card consumers are seeking is a card without an annual fee. Approximately 25% of survey takers said that they are looking for credit cards that come without an annual fee associated with it. Coming in third as the most important factor for choosing a credit card is a rewards program. About 16% of the survey respondents cited this as the most important factor when deciding on a credit card.
Consumer Spending Behavior
Sentiments on the economy apparently are not stopping short with applying for new credit and new credit cards either. A MasterCard survey in December 2010 also revealed that 61% of customers said they had not intentions on cutting back on spending in 2011. Of shoppers earning $100,000 to $150,000, 73% said they would not cut spending. So far, consumers are keeping true to their word, which is resulting in a return to applying for credit cards.
